Hand washing is required when entering any clinical area and before commencing any procedure. For most procedures carried out in a ward environment, it is adequate to wash with soap and water or use alcohol gel. Procedures carried out in a theatre environment usually require the hands and forearm to be washed using an aseptic hand washing technique, also known as the surgical scrubbing technique. Once hands have been washed and dried, a sterile gown and gloves should be put on without touching any non sterile surfaces. Effective hand decontamination significantly reduces potential pathogens on hands and can prevent patient morbidity and mortality.
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